[Effects of nicotine on action potentials of guinea pig and rabbit papillary muscles]

The electrophysiological action of nicotine was studied by microelectrode technique on isolated guinea pig and rabbit papillary muscles. Nicotine had no significant effect on RP, APA and Vmax; but its biphasic effect on APD35, APD90 and ERP were observed in different concentrations, ie: high concentration (604 mumols/L) prolonged APD35, APD90 and ERP by 27.3, 26.0 and 26.1% respectively, whereas low concentration (0.6 mumol/L) shortened them by 49.6, 40.0 and 27.6%, respectively. It is suggested that high concentration of nicotine may enhance the calcium influx, but low concentration decrease it.